In this latest HR Chat, Rob and Jason discuss recent trends and survey results surrounding PTO (Paid Time Off) usage, revealing that a significant percentage of U.S. employees aren’t fully utilizing their earned time off. They explore the reasons behind this, from the challenges of disconnecting to the rise of “stealth PTO” where employees take time off without officially recording it, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments.

They also highlight the benefits of taking PTO, not just for personal well-being but also for boosting productivity and engagement upon return. If your organization is facing similar challenges, reach out to us at hr@employco.com – we’d love to help!

As businesses start preparing their budgets for 2025, recent surveys indicate a downward trend in merit raises. Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they discuss lower pay increases, cost of living adjustments, employee attraction and retention, the importance of company culture and benefits, and more.

Stay ahead of the curve and contact hr@employco.com for help with employee attraction and retention strategies.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they discuss the upcoming changes surrounding the FTC’s non-compete ban, which is expected to take effect on September 4th. They provide insights into what this could mean for employers and employees, emphasizing the need for preparation and clear communication – “be ready.”

The discussion also outlines some of the differences between non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, providing practical advice to help businesses stay ahead of these changes and maintain compliance. Reach out to hr@employco.com for HR assistance on these topics and more.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR Chat as they explore best practices for employee terminations. Learn how to avoid terminations through training and coaching, plan the termination process carefully considering state laws and safety, and keep the conversation short and to the point.

We’ve created a checklist with best practices for the termination process. Reach out to us at hr@employco.com for a copy.

We’re over halfway through the year, and summer is in full swing. Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they explore which benefit plan changes are allowed outside of open enrollment. They highlight qualifying events, the difference between a calendar year and a plan year, benefits that can be changed at any time, and more.

Check out this chat for some helpful reminders as we enter the second half of the year, and let us know if you have any questions at hr@employco.com.

The Supreme Court overruled Chevron deference in a 6-3 decision. Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they give some background info and discuss how this might affect several pending laws such as the overtime threshold, non-compete ban, independent contractor status, and more.

Check out our HR newsletter article for more details on this topic: U.S. Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Deference

Reach out to hr@employco.com if you have any questions on how this may impact employers.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they discuss the new Chicago Paid Leave ordinance that takes effect on July 1st. This significant update affects employers in Chicago and its suburbs if they have employees working in the city. They provide an overview of what the ordinance entails, highlighting the key aspects and changes employers need to be aware of.

Reach out to hr@employco.com if you have any questions or would like a handy side-by-side comparison of the paid leave regulations in Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois, emphasizing the similarities and differences.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they discuss new hire orientations, emphasizing the first few days of the onboarding experience. The discussion covers best practices and highlights the significance of advance preparation, safety briefings, and social interactions like first-day lunches to make new employees feel valued.

Employco offers a comprehensive toolkit designed to streamline the orientation process, complete with checklists and guidelines to ensure nothing is overlooked – download it here.

Contact us for help putting together an effective onboarding experience, hr@employco.com.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they discuss summer internships. They share valuable tips on hiring, from crafting a job offer letter to ensuring a seamless onboarding experience. They also emphasize the importance of making internships educational and well-structured, and highlight the potential for interns to become future hires.

Summer is just around the corner, contact hr@employco.com for help optimizing your internship program.

Join Rob and Jason in this HR chat as they discuss preparing for the Department of Labor’s anticipated overtime rule. Gain insights into the proposed changes, including the new salary threshold of $55,000, which could significantly impact eligibility for overtime pay. With a quick turnaround expected upon approval, it’s crucial to stay informed.

Need assistance navigating these regulatory shifts? Contact us at hr@employco.com for a helpful checklist and expert guidance to ensure your business stays compliant and ahead of the curve.